Every occupation has its share of dangers, and maritime jobs are no exception. An injury or an illness that is attributable to your maritime job can leave you adrift in uncertainty.
Laws that govern injuries that happen at sea can be quite complicated. One such law is the Jones Act. But what exactly is the Jones Act and how can it impact your claim following an injury at sea?
Understanding the Jones Act
The Jones Act, or Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that regulates maritime activities within U.S. waters. This law serves two important functions: promoting maritime commerce and protecting the rights of workers who are hurt at work.
From a worker’s rights point of view, the Jones Act is extremely important as it allows you to pursue damages should you be hurt at work. To qualify for compensation under this law, however, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must spend at least 30 percent of your working time with your employer’s vessel or fleet of vessels
- Your job must directly contribute to the vessel’s functions
This statute requires maritime employers to create and maintain safe work environments, provide adequate training to employees and ensure that their vessels are safe. If an employer fails to meet these standards, then you may pursue compensation for the resulting damages.
It’s important that the threshold for proving fault under the Jones Act is much lower than in standard personal injury claims. You just need to show that your employer was negligent however minimal the negligence in question was.
If you are a maritime worker who is hurt at work, understanding how the Jones Act is a vital step. Find out how proper legal counsel can help you protect your rights and interests while pursuing damages.